Jaguar XJ reliability
The Jaguar XJ fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 26.8% of 19,037 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
22 DVSA recalls for the Jaguar XJ
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Security Guidance
Jaguar Land Rover in conjunction with law enforcement and insurance bodies is aware of the increase in thefts of vehicles in specific geographical locations within the United Kingdom. There is no fault with Jaguar Land Rover's security systems and they continue to meet stringent automotive legislation. Jaguar Land Rover is offering owners guidance on how to maximise vehicle security and protect against theft
Fix: Vehicle registered keepers will be sent a security guidance letter only - there is no repair action.
Recalled models: XJ · 7,311 vehicles
Front air bags may not deploy when required
Front Air Bags may not deploy when required.
Fix: Update the Restrain Control Module (RCM) with the latest software
Recalled models: XJ · 40 vehicles
The crankshaft pulley retaining bolt may fracture
The crankshaft pulley retaining bolt may fracture due to a production specification error.
Fix: Replace the crankshaft pulley centre retaining bolt with one that has been manufactured to the correct specification.
Recalled models: XJ · 29 vehicles
Instrument cluster may intermittently go blank
Due to a software issue the Instrument cluster may intermittently go blank.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to have the latest software installed/downloaded.
Recalled models: XJ · 8,314 vehicles
Srs did not deploy airbags as intended
When connected to Jaguar Land Rover�s Symptom Driven Diagnostics (SDD) device and an update is unsuccessfully undertaken the calibration may default to a pre-set condition. In the event of a frontal impact of a sufficient severity to require the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) to deploy the front airbags the airbags will deploy but at impact thresholds that exceed those which provide the required occupant protection. Failure of the airbags to deploy as required can lead to increased injuries to the occupants.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the RCM with the latest software.
Recalled models: XJ · 2,109 vehicles
Passenger airbag may not deploy
It has been identified by the air-bag manufacturer that the air-bag initiator generant mix ratio does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to none deployment of the air-bag. Should a collision occur then there is an increased risk of injury to the passenger.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the air-bag with a new quality assured component.
Recalled models: XJ · 15 vehicles
Airbag may deploy incorrectly
Due to a nonconformity of production the driver's air bag may not deploy correctly and may not provide protection as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace driver's air bag
Recalled models: XJ · 6 vehicles
Possible loss of steering assistance
The auxiliary drive belt pulley retainer may fail and cause loss of drive to auxiliary items including the water pump and power steering pump. This may cause an engine management lamp to illuminate engine overheating or a reduction in steering assistance though steering control will be maintained.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace auxiliary belt idler pulley and retainer.
Recalled models: XJ · 318 vehicles
Brake fluid may leak
Underbody brake pipe unions may not have been tightened to the specified torque. This may cause loss of brake fluid extended brake pedal travel and if both circuits fail loss of braking performance. The Fluid level low message may appear and the brake warning lamp may illuminate. In some instances sufficient loss of brake fluid may prevent the vehicle from starting.
Fix: On affected vehicles inspect unions and where necessary tighten unions to specified torque. Check brake fluid level and where necessary top up to correct level
Recalled models: XJ · 631 vehicles
Risk of fire
The positive cable fixing to the alternator may come loose and lead to an elevated risk of fire. Additionally there are concerns raised regarding the fixings for the engine mounted belt driven ancillaries. If the fixings fail power assistance to the steering can be lost and more input from the driver will be required to steer the vehicle.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and torque the front ancillary fixings to the correct specification.
Recalled models: XJ · 2,612 vehicles
Directional control may be compromised
A concern has been identified where in the event of prolonged aggressive driving it is possible that the rear toe link will separate from the rear sub-frame. In this event vehicle stability will be compromised and degree of directional control minimised which increases the risk of an accident.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the nut and washer assembly on the rear toe link with components of revised design.
Recalled models: XJ · 91 vehicles
Engine may cut out
It has been established that the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) hoses and resonator pipe have not been assembled to the correct specification. It is therefore possible that under certain conditions the CAC hose can detach from the resonator. This could result in the engine cutting out and possible loss of vacuum assistance for the brake servo.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicle and rectify the issue.
Recalled models: XJ · 76 vehicles
Wiper arm could detach
The wiper arm spindle fixings may not have been tightened sufficiently which could lead to clashing of the arms and possible detachment. Should this condition occur the wipers will not fully clear the windscreen.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the tightness of the windscreen wiper spindle fixings and where necessary tighten to specification.
Recalled models: XJ · 2,319 vehicles
Under floor /rear cross member brake pipe corrosion
It has been identified that a touch condition can exist between the rear under floor brake pipes rear cross member brake pipe and their unions and a noise vibration harshness pad. Where this condition existswater and detritus can collect and be held in contact causing the corrosion protection to abrade. This can lead in time to brake fluid leakage increased brake pedal travel and in some cases reduced or loss of service brake performance.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject brake pipes inspected. Those displaying red rust on the pipes or unions will be replaced.
Recalled models: XJ · 4,487 vehicles
Diesel particulate filter excessive heat
The diesel particulate filters (DPF) of the 2.7 litre engine may exhibit smoke and or fire from the underside of the vehicle flames emanating from within the rear exhaust tailpipe or an orange glow from the underside of the vehicle. Heat from within the DPF can radiate to the surrounding vehicle components and may lead to heating of the underside of the transmission tunnel and subsequent melting of interior components with the potential for an interior fire.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the engine management control module re-programmed with the latest calibration file. The vehicle will self test for DPF blockage which where required will be replaced.
Recalled models: XJ · 8,028 vehicles
Brake fluid may leak from brake pipe
Brake fluid may leak from either the right hand front or left hand front brake caliper bridge pipe
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the caliper bridge pipe on all four calipers with a revised corrosion resistant pipe
Recalled models: XJ · 7 vehicles
The parking function of the automatic transmission may not operate correctly
Due to the presence of an out of specification component within the automatic gearbox parking brake interlock system. The parking function may not fully engage when the operating lever is moved to park despite all indicators showing that park has been achieved. If the parking brake is not applied the vehicle may roll away if the ignition key remains in the ignition.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the out of specification component replaced with a quality assured item.
Recalled models: XJ · 109 vehicles
Poor adhesion of space saver spare wheel speed restriction label
On vehicles supplied with a space saver spare wheel poor adhesion of the speed restriction label could result in the label becoming detached.
Fix: Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled at which time the speed restriction label will be replaced.
Recalled models: XJ · 2,055 vehicles
Air bag may rupture
The aperture in the dash through which the airbag deploys may not have been correctly finished so leaving a sharp edge. If deployed the air bag may rupture.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles remove deployment door inspect aperture and if necessary remove any sharp edges.
Recalled models: XJ · 313 vehicles
Auto gearbox may engage reverse when in forward drive.
(a) In conditions of low oil pressure or a sticking valve in the gearbox with the vehicle stationary in Drive the gearbox will without warning or indication select Reverse. (b) With the vehicle moving forward in 1st 2nd or 3rd gear reverse may be selected without any manual input in the event of a loss of oil pressure in the transmission.
Fix: Reprogramme the gearbox gear selector module.
Recalled models: XJ · 13,911 vehicles
Possibility that gearbox may lock up
Possibility that the automatic transmission may lock up at speeds below 15mph.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit a new quality assured automatic gearbox.
Recalled models: XJ · 106 vehicles
Security of track rod ends
The torque of the track rod end retaining nuts may relax and allow the nuts to loosen.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and replace the existing track rod end nuts with quality assured examples.
Recalled models: XJ SERIES · 140 vehicles
Checking a Jaguar XJ before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.